Wlad Klitschko Meets Untested Dereck Chisora:
Whilst it may be harsh to describe the last 2 years of the Klitschko brothers reign as a modern version of the “Bum Of The Month” club, it has become increasingly hard to stir interest in their title defenses. In fairness to the brothers, they do remain active and in the absence of credible challengers at least the title hasn’t been put into hibernation. In all honesty though, the only heavyweight fight the world wants to see involves any combination of Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko and WBA champion David Haye. As the brothers will never fight each other, we are left with marking time fights until a deal can be agreed for either of the brothers to clash with the brash Londoner.
December 11th sees Wladimir defend his IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts again when he takes on another Englishman, British and Commonwealth champion Dereck Chisora in Mannheim, Germany. That Chisora has been given a shot speaks volumes about the current state of the heavyweight division. Chisora’s record stands at just 14(9)-0 and the biggest victory on his record is a 2nd round knockout victory over the shell of Mike Tyson conqueror Danny Williams.
Chisora will be an unknown quantity to many. The 26 year old deserves credit for taking the fight so early in his career. He has shown glimpses of genuine talent so far and his last performance, which saw him take the Commonwealth belt from Sam Sexton, was his best to date. Sexton is a talented fighter but Chisora outfought, outlasted and eventually out-punched the Norwich based fighter in a good quality domestic matchup. The key word here is domestic. Chisora has yet to step up to even European title level and in an ideal world he would be looking towards matches against the likes of Albert Sosnowski or Oleg Maskaev instead of jumping straight in at the highest level. When a fighter is offered a shot at the heavyweight title though, it is almost impossible to turn down. Chisora is a happy go lucky character and will relish the opportunity. He is unlikely to be overawed by the occasion and will give it his all, knowing he can catapult himself to worldwide fame should he achieve the incredible. The fact that he will also be earning a career high payday was probably also a big persuading factor.
It is hard to know what else to say about the Ukrainian champion. Having been at the pinnacle of the sport for a decade, the same strengths and weaknesses are discussed before every one of his fights. He possesses a superb jab and when he commits to throwing it, his right hand is the most destructive weapon in world boxing. He is an expert at dictating the range and pace of a fight and his opponents seem to realize very quickly that they are in for a hard night’s work. Yes, there are worries about his chin but since being dropped 3 times when claiming a points victory over Samuel Peter 5 years ago, he has adopted a more cautious style and softens his opponents up before deciding if and when to move in for the kill.
If an opponent can get close to Klitschko and land punches, the landscape changes. Klitschko is far more vulnerable when put under pressure and can be knocked out. Recently though, such moments have been few and far between and his defenses have taken on a very routine format. Klitschko takes the center of the ring and by dominating with the jab and occasional right hand, slowly sets about breaking his opponent up both physically and mentally. By the mid point in the fight, the opponent has slipped into survival mode and Klitschko increases the pressure until the end comes in the mid to late rounds.
Klitschko vs. Chisora Prediction
Although Chisora will attempt to get under Klitscko’s skin and unsettle him before the fight, the champion is far too experienced to get drawn into mind games. With the Haye fight so close, it is unthinkable that Klitschko will allow his focus to drift from the job in hand. Chisora will be giving away 5 inches in height and 7 inches in reach and faces the same problem every Klitschko opponent faces. He somehow needs to get inside the jab and then let his hands go. Although Chisora has a fluid style and puts his punches together well, this is likely to be too big of a step for him at this stage of his career. Chisora won’t set out with the intention of purely surviving and in that respect should give a better account of himself than the likes of Eddie Chambers, however, the end is likely to come within 7 rounds as Klitschko looks to make an example of Chisora and finally set up the much awaited meeting with his fellow Londoner Haye. KLITSCHKO KO ROUND 6
